Monday, December 31, 2012

As 2012 comes to a close, it's a given that BroadwayWorld will reflect on all the fantastic theatrical productions and events that have entertained audiences all across America. Here in Central Texas, theater-goers had plenty to see in 2012. As a new resident of Austin, I sadly only got to enjoy the Central Texas theater scene for the last half of the year, but still all 49 productions I saw and reviewed in that short amount of time were delightful.

Here is a list of my favorite productions produced in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, and the surrounding areas during the last half of 2012. As all of the productions listed were spectacular, it proved impossible for me to rank them, so here they are presented in alphabetical order.

Congratulations to all of Central Texas's theatres, performers, and creative professionals on an astounding and successful year.

-Jeff Davis

Contributing Editor

1. Always...Patsy Cline

Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre

With its simple staging and excellent performances from skilled comedienne and storyteller Linda Brandshaw and Patsy doppelganger Yesenia McNett, Always...Patsy Cline turned this city slicker into a country music fan and solidified my fandom of the Georgetown Palace.

2. Baby

Austin, TX, Produced by Austin Theatre Project

Austin Theatre Project closed out its inaugural season with the forgotten musical, Baby. Filled with warmth and heart and backed by six fantastic leads, the show was phenomenal. We can all expect great things from Austin Theater Project in 2013. They already are a force to be reckoned with in Austin's theatre scene, and they've only just begun.

3. Chess

Austin, TX, Produced by SummerStock Austin and The Austin Playhouse

All three of SummerStock Austin's offerings this year were stellar, but Chess was the stand-out of the trio. While certainly more challenging that SummerStock Austin's other two shows, A Year with Frog and Toad and Legally Blonde, the young ensemble handled the material with a level of polish and professionalism that often goes, pardon the pun, unchecked.

4. A Chorus Line

Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre

With its direction and choreography by Broadway veterans Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique and its hard-working cast, Georgetown Palace's production of A Chorus Line holds a spot in my book as the best production of the show that I've ever seen, and I am certain my esteem of this intimate, visceral production will remain the same for years to come.

5. Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean

Austin, TX, Produced by The City Theatre

While the dramedy by Ed Graczyk sometimes bites off more than it can chew regarding themes and subject matter, director Andy Berkovsky managed to keep The City Theatre's production on track, and his ensemble cast of women were nothing short of sensational.

6. Heaven-Earth-One

Austin, TX, Produced by Blue Lapis Light

Heaven-Earth-One was by far the best dance show I saw in Austin this year and quite frankly the best and most inventive dance show I've ever seen in my lifetime. The piece seamlessly blended movement, music, and the iconic architecture of The Long Center for the Performing Arts into a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.

7. Into the Woods

San Marcos, TX, Produced by Texas State University - San Marcos

Into the Woods has always been one of my favorite musicals. It was my first introduction to the work of Stephen Sondheim, and I wrote a paper on the show in college. So when this self-proclaimed Sondheim snob dubbed this production the best Into the Woods he's ever seen live, that was indeed the highest praise I could give, and it still didn't feel adequate.

8. Miracle on 34th Street

Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre

With Miracle on 34th Street, Georgetown Palace had a miracle of their own. They managed to take this old, clunky, forgotten show by Meredith Wilson and infused it with a strong dose of charm, wit, and humor. In their hands, this rarely-produced flop shined and sparkled.

9. Moonlight and MagnoliasAustin, TX, Produced by Penfold Theatre Company

Frankly, my dear, I'm still chuckling over this behind the scenes story of Gone with the Wind. The hijinks were an over-the-top laugh riot and a treat for everyone, even those not familiar with the classic film.

10. November

San Antonio, TX, Produced by The Playhouse - San Antonio

Just the word "November" is enough to make me smile and reminisce about The Playhouse's hysterical political satire about an unpopular president who abuses his power and clout in order to fund his campaign. It's a good think no elected officials are this corrupt [insert sarcasm here].

presents DEARLY BELOVEDby Jones, Hope and Wootendirected by Mary Ellen ButlerJanuary 11 - February 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
To brighten the winter months, Georgetown’s Historic Palace Theatre presents on the Springer Memorial Stage the live production of Dearly Beloved. This rib-tickling Southern comedy is from Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, & Jamie Wooten, the writing team that brought you last season’s hit The Dixie Swim Club. Directed by the Palace’s Artistic Director, Mary Ellen Butler, Dearly Beloved is the hilarious story of yet another dysfunctional but lovable Texas family in a predicament of life-sized proportions! The Futrelle sisters of Fayro, Texas, are caught up in one sister’s quest to plan her daughter’s antebellum-inspired wedding. Will the wedding be free from scandal, gossip, and skin-tight gold lamé? You will have to see it to believe it!

Dearly Beloved plays at the Palace on weekends from January 11 through February 3, 2013. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $24 General Admission, $22 Seniors (55+), $14 Students (10-22) and Active Military, and $10 Children (9 and younger). Rated for General Audiences

The Palace seats about 295, with reserved seating paid for in the ticket price. The Palace office in the lobby of the theatre is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (except for some holiday dates). Purchase tickets and select seating on-line at www.georgetownpalace.com or by calling (512) 869-7469 or (512) 869-5081. (Please call ahead regarding special needs seating.) Visa, Master Card, and Discover Card are accepted.

Terri Mowrey’s WEST SIDE TERRI comes to FronteraFest after a successful run at The ArtShare space in Los Angeles. After premiering at Orange County’s very own theatrical outsiders, Monkey Wrench Collective, Terri’s show went on to play at The Hunger Artist space for another successful run. Now WEST SIDE TERRI is landing in Austin to be part of the FronteraFest.

Everyone has those sheer bursts of performance with abandon by singing in the shower, playing drums on a steering wheel or even wailing on an air guitar in the privacy of our own space. Terri Mowrey takes it to the extremes by performing every character, song and dance of the movie version of West Side Story from her little apartment. In this 75 minute one woman show she weaves a love letter to her favorite musical with insights of her own life such as growing up half-Mexican and half-Anglo and the crushing devastation she felt nearly 20 years ago after a miserable audition for the stage version in college. It is hilarious, poignant and entertaining and her ability to convey her personal passion for this story while also using it as a personal and theatrical redemption for herself that truly makes this one-woman show sing.

Terri Mowrey is beyond delighted to bring her one woman show to Austin. She is an Orange County, CA based actress whose credits include Shopping & F***ing and the U.S. premiere of pool (no water) with Monkey Wrench Collective, Reefer Madness at Stages Theater Company,Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Othello at The Hunger Artists Theater Company and The Changeling at The Long Beach Playhouse. Regional credits A Christmas Carol at both South Coast Repertory and the American Conservatory Theater, To Gillian on her 37th Birthday at Laguna Playhouse and pool (no water) at SCR.Her inaugural production of West Side Terri at Monkey Wrench Collective garnered her the OC Weekly Best Actress nod for 2011. She is a graduate of SCR's Professional Conservatory and received her MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

Jay Fraley is producing Terri’s show here in Austin and he first got involved in the Austin theatre scene in Capital T’s FronteraFest production “Spirits To Enforce” in 2011. Since then he has had the pleasure of working with Hyde Park Theatre, Penfold Theatre Co. and Paper Moon Rep. This is Jay’s first time producing a show in Austin and he couldn’t be more excited about bringing this talented OC actress to the Austin stage. Terri created the piece collaboratively with Christopher Basile and Alexander Price, originally directed by Christopher Basile. The production’s scenic design is by Terri Mowrey and Christopher Basile. Lighting design by Alexander Price. Sound design by Jeremy “Bug” Ojeda. Costumed by Terri Mowrey.

The Capital City Mystery Players, active in Austin, Texas, since 1991, are looking for actors for paid positions in their ongoing interactive comedy murder mysteries. Stage experience with improv skills a plus.

Letts wrote three of 2012's strongest productions. The biggie was the Sheldon Vexler Theatre's stunning San Antonio debut of his masterpiece, “August: Osage County.” Every aspect of the director Paul Fillingim's production was rooted in truth, resulting in a show about family that was both funny and shattering.

The two other Letts shows that popped up to excellent effect were the Playhouse Cellar's “Superior Donuts,” including nuanced and heartbreaking turns from Bill Gundry and Kristopher “K.T.” Thomas; and the Rose Theatre Company's aptly disturbing staging of “Killer Joe.”

The other memorable shows this year included:“King Lear,” Classic Theatre: Allan S. Ross delivered a towering performance in the title role.

“Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” AtticRep: Gloria Sanchez-Molina, who stepped into the monster role of Martha less than three weeks before the show opened, crafted one of the performances of the year. She was well-matched by the rest of the cast, especially the great David Connelly as Martha's seething husband/sparring partner, George.

“Open Sesame!” Overtime Theater: Playwright Rick Stemm's inventive Bollywood/panto mash-up, staged with a sense of merriment by director Kyle Gillette, may have been the most fun you could have in a theater this year.

Next up for Allegro Stage Company: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” slated to play April 11-20 at Northwest Vista College’s Palmetto Center for the Arts.

Director Tim Hedgepeth has already cast Rick Sanchez, who gave a memorable performance as the Emcee in Allegro’s “Cabaret” earlier this year, as Pseudolus. The rest of the roles are up for grabs.

Auditions start at noon Jan. 26 at the Palmetto Center, 3535 N. Ellison, San Antonio, 78251 (click for map). Those who want to try out are asked to show up ready to perform 16 bars of “an upbeat, comical song,” according to the audition notice; an accompanist will be on hand. Also in the notice: “Pratfalls encouraged!” And dress comfortably for the dance audition.Another date for potential cast members to note: Rehearsals start March 3.

BIPAC is pleased to present our new Executive Director Andrea S. Smith as we offer well wishes and best of luck to our former E.D.!

“After nearly 7 years volunteering with the B. Iden Payne Awards Council, it is now that I make my exit in order to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. It has truly been a pleasure serving on the Council and I am extremely pleased with the direction the organization has undertaken the past few years and am excited to see the new paths forged in the upcoming years. I welcome and wish luck to all of the new members and offer best wishes and success to the council.

I also want to give my heartfelt gratitude to all of the artists working in this wonderful city of ours. Those efforts are for what we come together as a community to celebrate who, what, and why we are. Thank you so much for everything.”

—Julianna E. Wright

“I am very happy and excited for Julie as she continues to pursue her personal and professional goals. I am equally excited to have the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of the Council. After almost a decade of service, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to guide the next incarnation of the council while continuing to strengthen and explore various relationships and collaborations with and for the community. It’s going to be a great year!”—Andrea S. Smith

Thursday, December 27, 2012

One-day Light-saber workshop with Toby MinorThis is a quick, 3 1/2 hr light-saber workshop. (I say "quick" because light-saber training is actually very comprehensive and takes years of training in the seven forms. We will mostly be focusing on the first form which is called Shii-Cho) ***To be very clear: this is stage combat class. I will be teaching how to execute these moves safely on a film set or in a play. Date: Sunday, Jan 6, 3:30-7 pmLocation: 7031 E. Hwy 290. It's just east of I35 at Berkman, a blue building with a nice big secure parking lot. Cost: $40 Please register before the class as there are only 13 slots. In order to register, please send a check to: T Minor, 1712 Barilla Mountain Trail, Round Rock, TX 78664.Light-sabers, and by extension light-saber combat, were inspired by the pirate and romantic films of the 1940s, which heavily featured rapier fencing and the like. In keeping with these romanticized depictions of fighting, the light-sabers were intended to represent the honor and chivalry inherent in the Jedi. Jedi were initially conceived as fighting with swords, but George Lucas wanted to provide them with a technological edge, and created the light-saber. His rationale was that in an era of energy weapons, light-sabers could be used to deflect the rays, giving birth to the idea of blast-deflection. Lucas wanted the earliest light-saber duels to feature a very oriental-style of fencing, reminiscent of Japanese fighting styles, which involved a great deal of honor and spirituality.We will be using single sword practice weapons, focusing on basic oriental-style fencing technique (modified slightly for the use of a light-saber) All levels of training welcome.Please RSVP to Toby at: tobywon55@gmail.com or call Toby at 512-909-0254About the instructor:Toby Minor is an actor combatant, certified with the SAFD (Society of American Fight Directors) and received his B.A. training from NMSU. He also holds black belt level in BudoTaijutsu (Ninjitsu), which makes him a real-life Ninja. Toby has choreographed fights for various shows around town, including Rose Rage with Hidden Room, Big Love with Shrewd Productions, The Three Musketeers with Leander High School, Hamlet with Austin Shakespeare and Black Swan Productions, True West with DYS theatre, I Hate Hamlet with the Georgetown Palace Theater, and Lear at the Vortex . Film Choreography credits include, among others, Haze, and Omniscience with Stage left in Chicago.

Sara Hastings is an unmarried lawyer in her mid-thirties, much too busy to get involved in any romance. Her Aunt Martha has decided to take matters into her own hands and find her a husband. Unfortunately, Aunt Martha’s method of doing it amounts to having the prospective groom bopped over the head and brought to Sara’s apartment. Aunt Martha’s choice is Brandon Cates, a young man who handles her finances. Although Brandon is already engaged to be married, this does not deter Aunt Martha. After being bopped on the head a few times, having a temporary loss of memory and experiencing several instances of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and a confrontation with a very angry fiancé, Brandon slowly comes to realize that Sara is really the girl for him. WOBCP is at Building 4 at 11880 W. FM 2243 in Leander, TX, between US 183 and Bagdad Road (click for map).

Moon Over Buffalo Auditionsat The City Theatre, 3823 Airport Blvd. Suite D. Austin, TX 78722 (click for map) Monday and Tuesday, January 14 and 15, 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. Ten minute slots by appointment. Show dates: March 21 – April 14 with rehearsals starting end of January.Somewhere up above, all those clever fellows who wrote the comedies of yesteryear are rolling with laughter. In the madcap comedy tradition, Ken Ludwig’s hilarious play centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their low-budget matinee of Cyrano or Private Lives (they’re not sure which one) and if he likes it, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for them, everything that could go wrong does, abetted by a visit from their daughter and her clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George’s body. Comedy doesn’t get any better than this!

Casting all roles. Bring headshot, resume, and a one minute prepared monologue. Scenes may also be performed.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Auditionsfor The Happy Couple, an original script by Texas native James Venhaus, to be directed by Last Act Artistic Director Karen Alvarado. Auditions will be at the Dougherty Art Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704 on Jan 12th, Sat 10 am-2 pm–you will need to be available for at least 2 of the 4 hours -- and on Jan 14th, Mon 6-9pm -anybody who can't audition Sat can come on Mon. Callbacks are tentatively scheduled for January 20th or 21st.

Performances will be Wednesdays - Saturdays, May 8-25, 2013 at The White Horse Ranch. Sides will be available at the audition but also emailed out a few days prior. Please email LATco Business Director, Sara Billeaux at lastacttheatre@gmail.com to schedule your audition time. Please include your resume and headshot in your email. To celebrate their anniversary, Michael and Mary Elizabeth visit the first home they lived in together. But the visit takes an unexpected turn when they discover a group of squatters living in the house. Last Act Theatre Company is proud to present this moving story about what happens when circumstances force people to face the reality of their situations. See what truths bubble to the surface when two different worlds collide!Rehearsals would start April 1st. Table reading in Feb and/or Mar as well. This is a site specific show with 12 performance dates.

Middle-school-age children in Bastrop County are encouraged to attend an open audition for a world-premier musical to be staged by the Bastrop Opera House in the BISD Jerry Faye Wilhelm Performing Arts Center the last weekend in April 2013.

Opera House executive director Chester Eitze will direct this winning script, from the Texas Nonprofit Theatres, Inc. original play competition. Written and composed by Barbara and Bob Silberg of Los Angeles, Eitze chose to produce their first full-length play because of its relevance to today’s educational concerns.

“So many elements of this first stage work apply to testing, extracurricular activities, and student governance, which we hear discussed almost daily in the media,” said Eitze. “It is my hope that with its music, its humor, and its emphasis on youthful leadership and problem-solving, the musical will challenge young performers, delight its audiences and become a popular show for junior companies.”

Auditions will be Saturday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St., Bastrop . Actors need to be able to sing. Bring a prepared song and you will be asked to sing a selection that you will be given. Only middle school-age children are called. (*Ages 10-14 considered.) Parents or guardians may stay and get orientation material for this project.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A video holiday card by Video 1 Unit via Facebook and Youtube.com, featuring the Sentimental Journey Orchestra, conducted by Ted Conerley, and the

"Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing)" by Louis Prima (1936): as we start the second act of the 1940s Radio Hour, enjoy the sounds of the Big Band. . . . for a real treat, put your headphones and play it again! (6 min. 22 sec. - drummer not identified!)

Monday, December 24, 2012

Hyde Park Theatre in collaboration with ScriptWorks and the Salvage Vanguard Theatre

presents

The 20th Annual FronteraFest

January 15 – February 16, 2013

FronteraFest, now celebrating its 20th year as one of the largest fringe performance events in the Southwest kicks-off its ‘Short Fringe’ from January 15 – February 16 and ‘Long Fringe’ performances from January 21 – February 3, 2013. The Short Fringe takes place at Hyde Park Theatre (511 West 43rd) Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Long Fringe performances are held at Salvage Vanguard Theatre (2803 Manor Road) at various dates/times (available at www.hydeparktheatre.org). There is also a special ‘Mi Casa es Su Teatro’ event which takes place one day only, Saturday, February 9th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Over the course of two decades, FronteraFest stages have been host to more than 2,000 performances and well over 8,000 participants from Central Texas and beyond. The month-long Festival, now an institution, features three separate components; the Short Fringe which runs the entirety of the Festival showcasing pieces 25 minutes or less, and the Long Fringe, with longer pieces between 45-90 minutes. The final and most unique component, 'Mi Casa es Su Teatro' consists of one day of performances hosted primarily at private homes.

FronteraFest is a collaboration between two of Austin’s foremost arts organizations, Hyde Park Theatre, an award-winning professional theatre in Central Austin and ScriptWorks, a statewide playwright development and service organization. The Salvage Vanguard Theatre at 2803 Manor Rd. hosts the Long Fringe productions.

The festival was created in 1993 by Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre Artistic Director Vicky Boone. Boone resigned in 2001 and Ken Webster became Artistic Director of the organization, which changed its name to Hyde Park Theatre. In 2002 Hyde Park Theatre and ScriptWorks' began a partnership to produce the storied festival with Christina J. Moore of ScriptWorks serving as festival producer.

To commemorate two decades of exciting, moving, sometimes weird and delightfully unexpected performance, former FronteraFest ‘Best of Fest’ winners and long-time participants have been invited to return to the stage for special appearances on Thursday evenings, including Steven Tomlinson, Emily Fordyce, Cyndi Williams, Zell Miller, III and Keira McDonald. Past notables include nationally recognized playwrights Kirk Lynn, John Walch, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour, who presented some of their earliest work at the festival.

As CEO of The Playhouse (formerly San Pedro Playhouse), Asia Ciaravino has landed the role of a lifetime, a theater part she’s been preparing for her entire life.

A story in the upcoming Dec. 28 print issue will explore her strategic plans for the Playhouse in more depth.

The Business Journal recently conducted an email interview with Ciaravino focused on her personal experiences.

The early years: I was born in Ann Arbor, Mich., and grew up all over the Midwest. My mother was a professional singer; father was a professional photographer. I was the oldest of three kids. From an early age, I was encouraged to be creative, and I was only 5 years old when I decided I wanted to do theater. All week, we would plan our show and on Fridays, we would perform.

Describe your job: Right now, I’m building infrastructure within the organization, setting up policies, standard operating procedures, and restructuring the staff so they are in positions where they can use their strengths. The Playhouse has to function as a highly oiled machine, as a business, but the transition to that mind set takes a lot of time. I’m out in the community, trying to get word out about what we do. I am also really passionate about customer service, and we have a trainer coming in to work with the whole team. I work a lot with donors, create appeal letters and marketing plans and talk to media.

Auditions for a workshop/staged readings of award-winning Austin playwright Allan Baker's latest play, Dex and Abby, will be held on Monday, Jan. 7th at Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd (click for map). Performances will take place at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre in March.

It's a sweet, funny and very moving play about a gay couple and their two dogs (human actors for the dogs have already been cast). Needed are two males in their 20s and one female in her 20s.

General Auditions for University of Texas New Theatre (UTNT) and The Cohen New Works Festival presented by the University Co-op are to take place on the evening of Monday, January 14, 2013 (the first day of classes) in Winship 1.148 at the University of Texas. Please come prepared with a one-minute contemporary monologue.Callbacksfor individual shows are scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2013. Rooms and locations for callbacks are TBA and are based on individual needs of each show and sides will be provided for each callback.

UTNT and New Works Festival rehearsal and performance schedules do not conflict so actors are able to audition and participate in both, if willing and able.

Available roles, character breakdowns and show synopses for UTNT shows will be released at a later date. Uncast shows affiliated with the New Works Festival will be present at the general auditions and specific character breakdowns and needs will be available prior to callbacks.

Reminder: New Works Festival auditions are open to the general public as
well. They do not need to be UT students, or students at all. This
applies ONLY for shows affiliated with the Cohen New Works Festival
presented by the University Co-op.

UT New Theatre (UTNT) is an annual event held each Spring curated by Steven Dietz, featuring works by third-year M.F.A Candidates in Playwrighting. Shows affiliated with UTNT will be performed at the Lab Theatre

The New Works Festival is a week-long showcase of new work created by UT students held every other Spring in various locations in and around the Winship Drama Building and the University of Texas campus.

Both UTNT and The Festival are not just events, but rather celebrations of a continuously ongoing process–the creation of new work!

For questions regarding General Auditions and UTNT, please contact Production Manager Carolyn Hardin at carolynhardin.87@gmail.com.

Almost, Maine

The mystical magic of love is on display under the northern lights. The northernmost reaches of the 48 united states is the setting for this romantic fantasy, a perfect way to entertain your friend or lover for Valentine’s season.

John Cariani’s Almost, Maine is a play composed of nine short vignettes that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical place called Almost, Maine. The New York Times reviewer wrote that it is “A comedy comprising almost a dozen two-character vignettes exploring the sudden thunderclap of love and the scorched earth that sometimes follows. John Cariani’s play will evoke either awww’s or ick’s, depending on your affection for its whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance.”

Act 1 Scene 1 Theatre Company from Port Arthur,TX bring their production of Mark Twain's The Diaries of Adam and Eve to the EMILYANN for ONE WEEKEND, January 18-20, 2013 (Friday and Saturday evenings 7:30pm, Sunday matinee 2pm). Starring Ann Holland and John Holland.Mark Twain's The Diaries of Adam and Eve is a uniquely American theatre piece that is funny, beautiful, and deeply moving. David Birney has crafted a lighthearted look at the world's first love story -- as imagined by America's greatest humorist, Mark Twain, whose Garden of Eden bursts with wit, laughter and the lyric poignancy of first love and first loss.

We are pleased to announce LAMDA’s 2013 North American auditiondates for entry onto our MA, Two Year & Three Year Acting Courses. We are auditioning in Dallas on 4 February 2013. For more course, audition and application information, please visit www.lamda.org.uk

"What happens when a funny person becomes a provocateur? You find yourself a little stunned at the things you're laughing at, then you look for other people to laugh with you." --Austin Chronicle

Take a look though an ordinary peephole and discover a full evening of songs by Austin's great novelty songwriter Dick Price. This marks the first time most of these songs have been performed by anyone except Dick himself. Spanning over three decades of songwriting, this living room cabaret includes such twisted ditties as "Knife and Fork," "Father Sambuco," "Happy Dinosaur," and "I Know Who You Are, I Saw What You Did." It's an intimate, irreverent, and long overdue tribute to one man's musical madness.

About Dick Price

Dick Price has written more than a thousand songs. He began composing music at the age of six, won 1st place in a state composition contest at age 12, and perfected his uniquely witty style in his late twenties. After attending the University of Texas and then living in New York City for a spell, Dick returned to Austin and launched the popular Dial-A-Tune service. Dick's songs have been heard worldwide on the Dr. Demento radio show and on many a mix tape passed between friends. With Rubber Repertory, he created the award-winning shows At Home with Dick and At Home with Dick 2.

About Lyova Rosanoff

Lyova Rosanoff was raised in New York City in a family of professional cellists. After graduating from Vassar she accepted a job with the San Antonio Symphony and has made her home in Texas ever since. She has taught at San Antonio College and the University of Texas at Austin, and was one of the founding members of Esther's Follies, where she served as Musical Director for 28 years. Elected to the Austin Arts Hall of Fame in 2003, she went on to co-write a humorous, Texas-tinged version of "Die Fleidermaus," which was premiered in 2008 by Austin Lyric Opera.

by Michael MeigsThe Zach throws everything it's got at White Christmas, and it
shows. Nick Demos' inventive choreography is on display; Allen
Robertson conducts a vigorous nine-piece orchestra tucked out of sight
beneath the stage; invited stars Matthew Redden and Matt Gibson make a
plausible buddy team, even though they don't much resemble Bing and
Donald. Our Meredith McCall is there as the older, wiser and more
angular of the hoofin' Haynes Sisters nightclub act, and the
fifteen-person chorus includes such accomplished local talent as Joshua
Denning and Sara Burke.The Zach prides itself on the valiantly earned status as a
significant regional theatre. Earning those stripes and getting the
awesome 425-seat Topfer Theatre built have taken decades of planning and
work. But now Artistic Director Dave Steakley faces a new challenge --
the Zach has got that impressive magic box on South Lamar but how are
they going to get enough rears onto those seats in order to make sure
that it's a viable concern?

Matthew Redden with Lara Wright and Laura Galt (image: Kirk R. Tuck)

One approach is to dust off the standards and make them new. Harvey, the one about the six-foot invisible white rabbit, is on the roster for late spring. It was a play before it was a movie.
And here we have a real live version of Irving Berlin's 1954 film, a
nostalgia vehicle even back then, firmly grounded on the 1930's and
1940's cinema musicals themed as "Come on, kids, let's put on a show!"
and offering Depression-era escapist visions of the glamor of New York
nightclubs. Both the buddies and the sisters are show-biz entertainers,
fetched away by chance and misdirection to the Vermont inn that good
ol' General Henry Waverly sank his army savings and pension into, and by
gosh, they decide to support the Old Man by putting on a show in the
barn and inviting all of their war-time buddies who served under the Old
Man, along with their families. As a surprise to the General, of
course. And don't forget that sure-fire formula "Boy gets girl; boy
loses girl; boy gets girl again" (oh, it was all just a
misunderstanding).